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WASHINGTON- US President George W. Bush on Monday warned Iran and Syria that the international community would not allow Lebanon to fall under foreign domination through their proxies again.
"I strongly condemn Hezbollah's recent efforts, and those of their foreign sponsors in Tehran and Damascus, to use violence and intimidation to bend the government and people of Lebanon to their will," Bush said in a statement.
"The international community will not allow the Iranian and Syrian regimes, via their proxies, to return Lebanon to foreign domination and control," he said.
Bush reaffirmed Washington's support for the government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora amid deadly sectarian violence raising fears of a new civil war.
"To ensure the safety and security of the people of Lebanon, the United States will continue its assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure they are able to defend the Lebanese Government and safeguard its institutions," he said.
Bush said he planned to consult with regional leaders during his trip to the Middle East this week in order to co-ordinate efforts to support Siniora's government and implement UN resolutions supporting Lebanon's sovereignty.
"It is critical that the international community come together to assist the Lebanese people in their hour of need," said the US leader, who leaves Tuesday on a five-day trip to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
"The Lebanese people have sacrificed much for the sake of their freedom, and the United States will continue to stand with them against this latest assault on their independence and security."
Fierce fighting erupted in northern Lebanon on Monday, further exacerbating tensions after days of deadly sectarian battles that have driven the nation to the brink of full-blown civil war.
At least one man was killed in clashes between supporters of the Western-backed government and militants loyal to the Shiite Hezbollah-led opposition in the port city of Tripoli, a security official said.
Six days of fighting have left at least 61 people dead and nearly 200 wounded, the worst unrest since the 1975-1990 civil war.
Lebanon's political standoff, which erupted in November 2006 when six pro-Syrian ministers quit, has left the country without a president since last November when Damascus protege Emile Lahoud's term ended.
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